key

²key

verb

Definition of KEY

transitive verb

1

: to lock with or as if with a key : fasten: as a : to secure (as a pulley on a shaft) by a key b : to finish off (an arch) by inserting a keystone

2

: to regulate the musical pitch of

3

: to bring into harmony or conformity : make appropriate : attune <remarks keyed to a situation>

4

: to identify (a biological specimen) by a key

5

: to provide with identifying or explanatory cross-references <instructions keyed to accompanying drawings — John Gartner>

6

: to make nervous, tense, or excited —usually used with up

7

: keyboard —often used with in

8

: to be essential to : play the most important part in <defense keyed the victory>

intransitive verb

1

: to use a key

2

: to observe the position or movement of an opposing player in football in order to anticipate the play —usually used with on

3

: keyboard

Examples of KEY

1. The changes to the manuscript are being keyed by the typist.
2. <her response was perfectly keyed to the situation>

First Known Use of KEY

14th century

Related to KEY

Synonyms: accommodate, attune, conciliate, conform, coordinate, harmonize, reconcile

Antonyms: disharmonize

Related Words: adapt, tune; blend, combine, connect, correlate, dovetail, fit, fuse, integrate, join, match, merge, orchestrate, pair, square, suit, synchronize, synthesize, unify, unite; align (also aline), arrange, array, balance, equalize, even, order, proportion, regularize, standardize

Near Antonyms: confuse, disarray, disorder, disorganize, disrupt, disturb, skew, upset; alienate, estrange

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